Review of how we use our persistent misuse powers: Focus on silent and abandoned calls

Start: 02 December 2015

Status:
Statement published

End: 24 February 2016

Statement published 20 December 2016

Ofcom has powers to take action if a person persistently misuses an electronic communications network or service. We are required to set out a general policy on how we are likely to use these powers and to have regard to that policy when exercising them. This is a statement of our general policy. It applies from 1 March 2017.

Ofcom has powers to take action if a person 'persistently misuses an electronic communications network or service'.

We are required by law to publish a 'general policy' on how we are likely to use these powers and to consider this when exercising them. The current policy sets out examples of those activities which Ofcom considers to represent 'persistent misuse', including the making of silent and abandoned calls.

We have reviewed the current policy (including issuing a call for inputs in October 2014) and are now consulting on proposals to change it.

This consultation closes on 24 February 2016. Subject to the responses, Ofcom plans to issue a final statement and publish a revised policy in Q1 2016-17. The revised policy would come into force after a two-month implementation period starting on the date of publication.

Ofcom is extending the consultation period for the consultation on proposals to make changes to its 'persistent misuse' policy. The consultation will now close on 24 February 2016.